Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro

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As a coffee enthusiast, I've spent a considerable amount of time experimenting with different espresso machines, and both the Breville Barista Express Impress and Barista Pro have been a part of my journey. These two machines, both from a respected brand, share several similarities but also offer unique differences that make one more appealing depending on your needs. After using both machines, I have to say that the Barista Pro stands out in a few key areas, particularly when it comes to speed, ease of use, and the level of control it offers. Let me walk you through my experience and explain why I believe the Barista Pro is the better choice.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing that struck me about the Breville Barista Pro was its sleek, modern design. The machine looks refined with its angular metal body, which instantly gives it a premium feel. It comes in a variety of colors, including a trendy Damson Blue, which adds a touch of style to my kitchen. The build quality feels solid, and the retractable power cord is a neat touch, reducing clutter and making storage easier. Overall, it’s clear that Breville has put thought into both the aesthetics and functionality of this machine.

On the other hand, the Barista Express Impress has a more traditional design. While still built with sturdy materials, its form lacks some of the modern touches that I find appealing in the Barista Pro. The buttons are a bit more basic, and it doesn’t have the same visual appeal as its counterpart. If you’re looking for something with a more contemporary look, the Pro would definitely be the better fit.

User Experience

When it comes to user experience, the Barista Pro really shines. One of the standout features for me is how quickly it heats up. The ThermoJet heating system gets the machine ready in just three seconds, which means I can get my morning coffee started almost immediately. It’s a small detail, but it makes a big difference in the day-to-day convenience of using the machine. The interface is simple and intuitive, with a digital display that makes it easy to adjust settings like brew temperature and shot volume.

The Barista Express Impress, on the other hand, takes a bit longer to heat up. It’s not a huge deal, but I’m used to the quick start-up time of the Pro, so this is one area where the Barista Express Impress doesn’t quite measure up. Additionally, its interface relies more heavily on manual controls and button combinations, which, while functional, aren’t as user-friendly as the Pro’s streamlined digital controls. The fixed power cord is another minor inconvenience—it’s not a deal-breaker, but the Barista Pro’s retractable cord adds an extra layer of practicality that I appreciate.

Espresso Brewing Capabilities

When it comes to brewing espresso, both machines perform admirably. However, the Barista Pro’s built-in grinder really stands out. With adjustable grind size and grind time, it gives me full control over the coffee grounds. The grind consistency is excellent, and it’s easy to dial in the right setting to match the beans I’m using. The espresso extraction process is smooth, and the result is consistently rich, flavorful shots of coffee.

The Barista Express Impress, in contrast, has an automated tamping system, which is a great feature for beginners or those who want more consistency without putting in too much effort. While this automation is helpful, I personally enjoy the control that the Barista Pro offers. I like being able to adjust the grind size and fine-tune the tamping process to achieve the best possible shot. If you're more into hands-on espresso making, the Barista Pro is the better option.

Milk Frothing and Steaming

Another area where the Barista Pro excels is with its steam wand. The Pro’s steam power is incredible, and it allows for fine control over the milk texture. Whether I’m making a cappuccino or a flat white, I can get the milk perfectly frothy with just the right amount of microfoam. This makes a noticeable difference in the texture of the milk and helps me achieve barista-quality drinks at home.

The Barista Express Impress also features a steam wand, but I find that the Pro’s wand offers more power and control, leading to better results overall. If you’re someone who loves experimenting with latte art or just enjoys a well-textured cappuccino, the Pro’s steam capabilities are a significant advantage.

Performance and Consistency

When it comes to consistency, the Barista Pro’s ThermoJet heating system ensures that every shot I pull is at the ideal temperature. Temperature stability is a critical factor for me because it impacts the quality of the espresso shot. The Pro’s consistency makes it easier to replicate the perfect shot every time, which is something I value as a coffee lover. The brewing temperature remains stable, and I rarely encounter any issues with under-extraction or over-extraction, which can sometimes happen with less advanced machines.

The Barista Express Impress, while still a solid machine, lacks the ThermoJet system, so its performance doesn’t quite reach the same level of consistency as the Pro. While I’ve gotten good results from the Impress, I’ve noticed that it sometimes struggles with temperature stability during longer brewing sessions.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning and maintaining an espresso machine can be a hassle, but both machines have systems in place to make it easier. The Barista Pro has a built-in cleaning cycle that alerts me when it’s time to descale or clean the machine. The digital display also gives clear instructions, making the whole process more user-friendly. The removable drip tray and water reservoir are easy to clean, and the design makes it simple to keep the machine looking neat.

The Barista Express Impress also has maintenance features, but I find the Barista Pro’s digital reminders and streamlined cleaning process more convenient. The Impress doesn’t have the same level of digital feedback, and while it’s still easy to clean, I prefer the Pro’s more intuitive system.

Value for Money

At the end of the day, both the Barista Pro and Barista Express Impress are solid machines that deliver quality espresso. However, the Barista Pro offers more value for money. It’s not just the design or features—it’s the overall performance and user experience that make it worth the investment. The quicker heat-up time, better milk frothing, and more consistent performance are features that I find make a significant difference in my daily coffee routine. If you’re someone who values speed, control, and quality, I’d highly recommend the Barista Pro as the better option between the two.

Conclusion

After using both the Breville Barista Express Impress and the Barista Pro, I can confidently say that the Barista Pro is the superior machine. It offers a more modern design, faster performance, and better overall control over the espresso brewing process. While the Barista Express Impress is a good choice for beginners or those who want a more automated experience, the Pro is better suited for someone who values precision and customization. The Pro’s steam wand, quick heat-up time, and consistency in brewing make it a clear winner in my book.

Whether you’re just starting your coffee journey or you’ve been making espresso for years, the Breville Barista Pro is a fantastic investment that will elevate your coffee experience. It’s easy to use, versatile, and consistently delivers excellent results. For anyone serious about making quality espresso at home, the Barista Pro is definitely the better choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the main difference between the Breville Barista Express Impress and the Barista Pro?
A: The main difference lies in the heating system and user interface. The Barista Pro features Breville's advanced ThermoJet heating system, which heats up in just three seconds, providing a faster and more consistent brew. It also has a digital display for easier control, while the Barista Express Impress offers an automated tamping system, which simplifies the process for beginners but offers less customization.

Q: Is the Breville Barista Pro better for beginners?
A: Yes, the Breville Barista Pro is user-friendly and offers a quicker learning curve due to its digital display and intuitive settings. While it provides a lot of customization options, it also includes clear indicators and simple adjustments, making it great for beginners who want to experiment with their espresso.

Q: Can both machines make cappuccinos and lattes?
A: Yes, both the Barista Express Impress and the Barista Pro are equipped with steam wands that allow you to froth milk for cappuccinos, lattes, and other milk-based drinks. However, the Barista Pro's steam wand is more powerful and offers better control for microfoam, which is ideal for latte art.

Q: How long does it take for each machine to heat up?
A: The Barista Pro heats up in about 3 seconds thanks to the ThermoJet system, allowing for faster use. The Barista Express Impress, while still fast, takes around 45 seconds to heat up.

Q: Does the Barista Pro require more maintenance than the Barista Express Impress?
A: Both machines require regular maintenance, such as cleaning the steam wand and descaling. However, the Barista Pro has a more advanced digital display that offers cleaning reminders, making the process easier and more user-friendly. The Barista Express Impress lacks this feature, although maintenance is still relatively straightforward.

Q: Can I adjust the grind size on both machines?
A: Yes, both machines feature adjustable grinders, allowing you to customize the grind size. However, the Barista Pro offers finer control with its settings, allowing for a more precise grind, which can be important for achieving the perfect espresso shot.

Q: Which machine is better for those who want more control over their espresso?
A: The Barista Pro is the better option for those who want more control. It provides customizable settings for grind size, brew time, temperature, and shot volume, allowing you to fine-tune your espresso exactly to your preference. The Barista Express Impress, while automated for convenience, doesn’t offer the same level of detailed customization.